Exhibition inspired by the seasons (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Exhibition inspired by the seasons

THE wild wood and seasonal changes have inspired Bath Textile Artists' exhibition in the Great Oak Hall at Westonbirt Arboretum.

This established group of 13 artists made two study trips to the Arboretum in 2003 to provide the seeds of ideas for this exciting body of work.

Entitled Tack It or Leaf It, the exhibition runs from April 9-14.

It features encapsulated flowers that are trapped in organza with silver stitches like a garden in frost. "I've designed party clothes for a wood nymph" says Chris Harley, and she has made clothing for each season.

The Green Man's heart may be ensnared by Heather Martin's embroidered woodland costumes while Cirel Greenwell's work continues the forest theme; look for her nymph peering from behind bark.

The brilliant colours of Paula Widdicombe's bold abstracts and airy Flying Landscapes of felt and willow form a dramatic contrast to the intricacies of the stitched work.

"It's always a wonderful challenge to put an exhibition together, juxtaposing one artist's work next to another. The individual styles and techniques are so different, yet we all share a love of thread and fabric and its tactile nature," said group member Clare Diprose.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am-4pm and many original artworks and small items will be for sale.

Ring 01666 840375 for more information.